5 Benefits of Outdoor Play
Children are naturally drawn to playing outside whether it be going to the park, riding bikes or simply running around the garden! However, as technology has advanced, the temptation to surrender to television, smartphones and tablets has left some parents forgetting the fantastic benefits of outdoor play.
Whilst it may seem a harmless and effective means of keeping children amused, many studies are now providing clear evidence that just playing indoors can negatively impact both the child’s health and development.

Health & Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of any child is the number one priority for all parents and the vast space of the outdoors allows children to be more active. Outdoor play improves fitness by burning off any extra energy and calories. Being outside is also important for Vitamin D. The ‘sunshine’ vitamin is especially important, as it helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, nutrients that are essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. It is also a vital vitamin in helping a child’s mood and mental state.

Independence

Whilst children require supervision, they don’t always need someone holding their hand. Outdoor play provides children with the opportunity to play without direct attention from an adult. In doing so they can learn how to solo play, judge risk, as well as interact with other children and navigate without guidance.

Social Skills

Social skills are an integral part of healthy development in a child, especially at school. Outdoor play is a sure way to facilitate this. Children will be more likely to join in with games, sports and other activities with their peers, allowing them to make new friendships and talk to different people and ultimately improve their confidence.

Imagination

The outdoors is a great way of stimulating a child’s imagination. Being exposed to nature and the elements at first hand allows them to encounter experiences that are remembered for years to come. Unlike the indoors, the outdoors provides a unique and ever-changing environment that feeds a child’s imagination and creativity.

Learning

What a child can learn outdoors is endless, particularly in a stimulating educational environment like the ones we provide for schools all over the country. Children learn through play and the outdoors enhances play opportunities offering new experiences and varied stimuli that are simply not available indoors.

If you would like to see these benefits in action in your public or school playground, then contact us today to arrange a free playground design consultation.